A seminar on “Agro textiles: Holistic alternative to enhance yield and profitability of Horticulture and Agriculture” was organized in association with the State Horticulture Department with the purpose of educating the people about Agro-textile usage and its benefits and various financial and technical supports to be provided under the scheme.

The seminar was held at Horticulture Research Farm, Pfutsero, Phek, under the Ministry of Textiles Scheme for “Promoting Usage of Agro-textiles in North East Region” on May 16.

Moalemba, DHO, Phek in his welcome address has emphasized on the need of modern techniques in horticulture and agriculture, while Ravi Singh, Scientist, COE-Agro-tech, SASMIRA, Mumbai shared the concept.

During the technical session application of different Agro-textiles (like shade nets, ground covers, bird protection nets, frost protection cover/crop cover, anti-hail net, pond lining, etc.) were deliberated. It is learned that the use of these Agro-textile products can enhance the horticulture/agriculture crop production by 3 to 4 times.

It may be noted that recognizing the Northeastern region tremendous potential for agricultural, horticultural, floricultural produce if suitable Agro-textiles like shade nets, ground cover, crop cover etc. which could be augmented, the Ministry of Textiles (MOT), GoI has taken an initiative to promote usage of agro-textiles in the North Eastern Region through its ambitious scheme “Promoting usages of agro-textiles in Northeastern region”.

The Synthetic & Art Silk Mills’ Research Association (SASMIRA) is Centre of Excellence (COE) for Agro-textiles under MOT, GOI, has been entrusted with the responsibility to accomplish the scheme goals with the help of State Govt. and other Horticulture/Agriculture associated agencies.

Creating awareness about the Agro-textiles is one of the foremost goals of the scheme which is to be achieved through seminar and workshop programs

The programme was attended by officials from KVK, State Horticulture Departments and more than 90 farmers from different parts of neighboring region along with the team from COE-Agro-tech, SASMIRA, Mumbai.